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The Hidden Signs of Epilepsy and Seizures
We all believe that epilepsy or seizures look like in this video. But that’s not the whole truth. Seizures may look quite different from that. In fact, some seizures are so discrete that even for doctors it’s difficult to spot them.
Classic grand mal seizure
Hidden Seizures
These signs could mean a young child is having seizures:
• Short attention blackouts that look like daydreaming
• Sudden falls for no reason or frequent stumbling or unusual clumsiness
• Lack of response for brief periods
• Dazed behavior
• Head nodding
• Rapid blinking
• Frequent complaints from a child that things look, taste, sound,
smell or feel “funny”
• Clusters of “jackknife” movements by babies who are sitting down
• Clusters of grabbing movements with both arms in babies lying on
their backs
• Sudden stomach pain followed by confusion and sleepiness
• Repeated movements that look out of place or unnatural
These signs could mean a teenager is having seizures:
• A blank stare, followed by chewing, picking at clothes, mumbling, random movements
• Sudden fear, anger, or panic for no reason
• Muscle jerks of arms, legs, or body, especially in the early morning
• Odd changes in the way things look, sound, smell or feel
• Memory gaps
• Dazed behavior. Being unable to talk or communicate for a short time
Why it’s important to recognize childhood seizures?
Early recognition and treatment is important because a child who is not treated may have to face additional problems later on, such as:
• Learning disabilities — because those brief blanking out seizures make it difficult to follow instructions and understand the lessons at school;
• Safety risks — because sudden loss of awareness in certain situations like while climbing or in water) can lead to injury;
• Behavior problems — because of recurrent seizures the world seems disorderly. The child keeps missing things other people have understood, and doesn’t know why;
• Social problems — because the child, his family, and others may not understand the cause or nature of unusual actions or behavior
More Information about Epilepsy and Seizures
Source: American Epilepsy Foundation
